Irish eligible Paul Nebel speaks on commitment to Germany: “I love my home and national anthem.” | OneFootball

Among the four thriving Mainz 05 professionals called up for international duty this week, Paul Nebel is looking forward to carrying his club form over to country in two Germany U21 friendlies. The 22-year-old finds himself thriving for Bo Henriksen’s surprise Rheinhessen this season. Nebel’s seven goals and four assists are one reason Mainz currently qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League in third place in the Bundesliga table.

Nebel spoke to members of the assembled media at a DFB press round on Thursday. The native Hessian maintains Irish eligibility through his maternal grandmother, yet remains loyal to Germany. Having amassed 42 caps at Germany U15 level and above, Nebel made it clear that his aim was always to play for his birth country even if his club career took a while to get going.

“I know that option exists, but I’ve been with the DFB since the U15s,” Nebel said when questioned about the potential of representing the Boys in Green. “It always means a great deal to me to be here and sing the national anthem. Germany is my home,” added Nebel.

Nebel’s club career didn’t always offer him a smooth path. After making only 14 appearances for the Mainz first team between 2020 and 2022, his parent club loaned him out to the nearby Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga for two consecutive seasons. It came as a surprise to many to see Nebel usurp €4m summer signing Hong Hyun-seok and ultra-talented Bayern loanee Armindo Sieb on Henriksen’s depth chart.

“I had to fight my way into the Mainzer first team,” Nebel said of his club journey. “Of course, I always want to be on the pitch for both club and country. Here [with the U21s]. We have to show what we’re made of in the next two games and remain successful in order to prepare for the European Championship.”

GGFN | Peter Weis